Essay Comments

Introduction

There is not even the slightest introduction to the interviewee in this piece. Out of the blue, the author starts off by discussing a condition that affected an unidentified individual. The reader only begins to get a very hazy idea of who the interview topic was as the essay goes on. There are a few sporadic, very sparse clues about who it is. This results in the creation of a false impression and may even cause one to misinterpret the narrative. It would have been acceptable to give the character or interviewee a brief introduction.

Lack of Information on Interviewer’s Perspective

The question is barely mentioned at all. We are not told anything about his or her perception or the motions going through their mind while conducting the interview. The questions we are left with are what went through their mind at the time of the interview? How were they affected by some of the answer the interviewee gave about his condition? It would have sufficed to also mention something about them. However, at the same time, this is commendable and I do not think there is any need to have changed the persona as it allows the reader to focus entirely on the interviewee. One aspect that comes out though is the tone of the interviewer. It is obvious that they were touched by the interviewee’s story as the language is very sympathetic almost pitiful even.

Description of Illness

The terms used to illustrate the illness are very clear and graphic and there is sufficient information that leaves no doubt and gives a clear understanding. One can even almost feel the pain that the interviewee was going through because of the description given. Though what would have been good to know is how the interviewee sat down especially in class and exactly how long it took to fully heal.

Understanding of the Experience

From the language used, the interviewee gets to understand the truth of the experience as an appreciation of other people who suffer from conditions that they cannot speak of because of their embarrassing nature. In addition to that, the interviewee gets to understand the aspect of why people help other people especially doctors and that being connected to other people is not always about knowing personal details about others but also about going through a similar experience together. Also, from the essay we clearly see the interviewer got a clear understanding of the treatment procedure and suffering of the interview as this is captured very well in the essay.

Different Perceptions

The different understandings of the truth of the experience between the interviewer and the interviewee do not in any way cause a problem. It widens the scope of understanding for the reader and this is alright. Their different perception gives the reader more leeway to have a greater perspective of the whole experience and not focus on only one thing. However, the disadvantage of this which is also the concern that is raised is that the interviewee may emphasize on the wrong area of interest yet the interviewee may have been emphasizing on something else making the whole interview miss the point.

Revision Suggestions

In my opinion, the revision that would be necessary to make would be to add an introduction about the interviewee and be specific about the duration of healing it took. Also, adding a direct quotation would be nice.